He has now served 39 years in prison.The Wounded Knee occupation of 1973 marked the beginning of a three year period of political violence on the Reservation in South Dakota.

"The Wounded Knee demands are simple, hearings at two senate committee meetings, investigation of treaty rights and an end to getting rid of the tribal chairman who sort of started the reign of terror," said John Iversen, a community activist.

Many activists believe Peltier is innocent and are calling on President Obama to grant him clemency.June 26 marks the 39th anniversary of incident.